Japan Tour Optional Programs

Tokyo Day Tour

$250

This tour will take you to visit Asakusa, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Tower and experience a Tokyo bay cruise.

Japan’s capital, Tokyo, is packed with so much to see and do. First stop on this tour is Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colourful and popular temples. Afterwards visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified sprits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Proceed to the fashion district Harajuku, and Shibuya, an affluent and trendy shopping hotspot. Then proceed to Tokyo Tower, where you will observe the amazing city of Tokyo from up above. Then, relax on a Tokyo bay cruise en route to the beautiful and serene landscaped Hamarikyu Garden beside Tokyo Bay.

Note: this tour is subject to minimum numbers

Osaka Day Tour

$250

This optional tour will take you to Osaka Castle, which was built in 1583 as the heart of the intended capital of Japan, before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo). Walk through the majestic castle while learning from the exhibit detailing life in old Osaka. Later you will board a popular Osaka Cruise to enjoy views of Osaka from the water. Explore Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, the vast restaurant districts, with eateries offering a variety of Japan’s most famous street foods.Then travel down to Umeda Skybuilding, where you will get a sweeping view of Osaka. Tour finishes in Osaka.

Note: this tour is subject to minimum numbers.

Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Walking Day Tour

$250

Himeji Castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is well-known for its elegant white decorations and magnificent appearance. Unlike many other Japanese castles, this early 17th century castle is an original; never damaged by war, earthquakes or fires. Its complex structure was designed as an advanced defence mechanism and continues to draw in many visitors today. After lunch, walk on the world’s longest suspension bridge – Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which is almost 4 kilometres long. Walk along the Maiko Marine Promenade underneath the bridge, which is 50m above the water. (your guide will meet you and send you off at Osaka Station, you will need to make your own way to/from Osaka station). Note: Please contact us for availability prior to departure.

World Heritage Nikko Guided Day Tour

$290

Nikko is a major centre for Buddhism and the Shinto religion. It is located in a valley and surrounded by beautiful deciduous forests and majestic waterfalls. This optional tour will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This area is well known for its distinctive architecture made up of a large number of wood carvings and gold leaf decorations on the buildings. This design is unique and not seen elsewhere in Japan. You will also visit Kegon Waterfall (around 100m high) which is the main natural attraction in Nikko. This is the best spot to view maple leaves during autumn.

Note: This tour is subject to minimum numbers.

Sushi Experience & Tsukiji Half Day Guided Walking Tour

$250

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate. On this tour you will take part in a sushi-making class and visit the world-famous Tsukiji fish market. Tour the world’s largest seafood market as you discover the vast selections of fresh seafood they have to offer. Then turn your attention to sushi-making, learning to prepare nigiri sushi with the help of a sushi master. Finish your experience by enjoying your creations for lunch.

Tokyo Disneyland Day Ticket

$120

Tokyo Disneyland is a 115-acre (47 ha) theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. Its main gate is directly adjacent to both Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland Station. It was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States, and it opened on 15 April 1983. The park has seven themed areas: the World Bazaar; the four classic Disneylands: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland; and two mini-lands: Critter Country and Mickey’s Toontown. Many of the games and rides in these areas mirror those in the original Disneyland as they are based on American Disney films and fantasies. Fantasyland includes Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and more based on classic Disney films and characters.

Tokyo DisneySea Day Ticket

$120

Tokyo DisneySea is a 176-acre (71.22 ha) theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, just outside Tokyo. It opened on September 4, 2001. Tokyo DisneySea attracted an estimated 14 million visitors in 2013, making it the fourth-most-visited theme park in the world. In 2002 Tokyo DisneySea won a Thea Award from the Themed Entertainment Association for the concept, design, and construction of the theme park. Tokyo DisneySea also won the 2012-2015 Theme Park Insider Awards “Best theme park”. There are seven uniquely themed areas or “ports of call”. The entrance to the park is Mediterranean Harbour, which opens up to six additional nautically-themed ports: American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, and Mysterious Island.

Robot Restaurant

$120

Not just any restaurant and bar, Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant is most famous for its late night robot-themed dancing and battle shows. Behold an outrageous and electrifying live spectacle featuring Japanese taiko drum performances as well as mock battles between bikini-clad dancing girls, giant robotic dinosaurs, cyborgs, ninjas and a host of other bizarre characters, staged in a theatrical LED-fitted room bursting with kaleidoscopic neon-lit laser beams, virtual fieworks, explosions and energetic techno music. This sensory overload is Japanese pop culture at its wackiest and is exclusive to Japan. Please choose from the times below: 17:55, 19:50 or 21:45~ $100/person for show tickets. Please enquire if you wish to add a meal package. Please be there at least 30 minutes before the show

Tea Ceremony (30 minutes)

$75

The Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional ritual influenced by the principles of Zen Buddhism, in which powdered green tea, or matcha, is prepared and served to a small group in a quiet setting. Traditional Japanese confectionary is often served to balance out the bitter taste of the green tea.
Highlights:

Learn the process of the Japanese tea ceremony from a qualified tea instructor

Learn which utensils to use to prepare green tea in a traditional Japanese room (tatami)

Discover the customs, culture and hospitality of the Japanese people

Physical considerations: The tea ceremony is performed in a kneeling position (seiza) on the floor. This puts pressure on your knees and ankles. Please be cautious of joining this optional program if you have a condition that prevents you from kneeling on the floor for a short period of time.

The kimono is the traditional dress of Japan and is representative of its culture and heritage. The dress consists of a long robe with wide sleeves and is usually made of various materials and patterns. Today the kimono is only worn sparingly, on formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies or other special events. Take part in a memorable photo shoot at a studio where you can dress up in a kimono of your choice. You can take photos with your own camera or you may choose to purchase a photo package plan from the photographers.

Highlights:

Dress up in a kimono of your choice for the photo shoot.

Have your photos taken for free with your own camera or purchase the photos from the professional photographers.

Universal Studios Japan

$125

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is a fun-filled destination for anyone to enjoy. Each area is uniquely themed and offers extraordinary experiences that impress and inspire the guests’ emotions. Enjoy a wide variety of entertainment offerings from the exciting ride attractions themed after blockbuster Hollywood movies to the shows performed by popular characters. The theme park has a total of 8 sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Waterworld, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Note: Entry date needs to be nominated at time of booking.

Tokyo Samurai Museum

$35

A museum that offers a great Samurai experience. This museum not only displays real armour, helmets, swords, and battle gear from 400 years ago, but you can also interact with replicated armour, touching and examining the weight and materials to experience the Samurai era.

Kamakura & Enoshima Bay Drive 1-Day Tour

$200

This bus tour departs from Tokyo, you will visit Kamakura’s popular sightseeing spots such as Jomyo-ji Temple, Hokoku-ji Temple and Kotoku-in Temple. Enoshima is a getaway island popular year-round for its cool ocean breezes. Cross over the 600-meter bridge that connects the island of Enoshima with the mainland and walk along Benzaiten Nakamise Street which is lined with intriguing shops bustling with customers. Afterward, take the Enoshima Escar, which will whisk you easily up to Enoshima Shrine. Enjoy the beautiful ocean views from Enoshima Shrine. Walk through the grounds of Hokoku-ji Temple, known as the bamboo temple for its beautiful bamboo grove. Visit Kotoku-in Temple which houses a towering, 13-meter-tall Buddha statue known as one of the three Great Buddha statues in Japan. Learn how to make some of Japan’s famous powdered matcha green tea and confectionery in the highly refined and tranquil atmosphere of a tearoom constructed over 400 years ago.

Kyoto Maiko Dinner

$200

Immerse yourself in the beguiling beauty of the ‘maiko’ (apprentice geisha) scene during an exquisite evening of traditional Japanese culture and cuisine. Take a peek into traditional Japanese culture and watch a maiko performance, traditional Japanese-style party games, and capture photographs to immortalize your memorable evening. Pleasure your palate with a Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine meal prepared with local seasonal ingredients. Enhance your cultural experience of Japan on this enriching evening tour.

Note: Vegetarian meals are available and must be requested at least 2 months before the tour departure date. Requests made any later may not be fulfilled. The dashi (stock) cannot be changed for vegetarian diners. Please note that gluten-free meals and vegan meals are not available for this optional tour.